Public invited to hearing on disabilities legislation at BC

Saturday

Oct 29, 2011 at 10:20 PM

FALL RIVER — Public testimony is encouraged at a hearing to be hosted by Sen. Michael J. Rodrigues, D-Westport, Monday morning at BCC on a number of bills related to the Department of Developmental Services.

FALL RIVER — Public testimony is encouraged at a hearing to be hosted by Sen. Michael J. Rodrigues, D-Westport, Monday morning at BCC on a number of bills related to the Department of Developmental Services.

"DDS currently provides services to over 32,000 adults with intellectual disabilities and children with developmental disabilities within our state," Rodrigues said in a press release. "I feel it's critically important to give local community members a chance to testify on these important pieces of legislation."

Rodrigues is chairman of the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. Co-chairwoman Rep. Kay Khan, D-Newton, said it is important for the committee to travel to all parts of the state and she is looking forward to the hearing in Fall River.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for local communities ... to have access to a hearing on incredibly important issues regarding DDS," she said.

In attendance will be local and state service providers and officials including the ARC of Massachusetts, People Incorporated and the Committee on Higher Education.

Robert Canuel, president of People Incorporated, which serves SouthCoast, said, "This truly gives a voice to all of our citizens on these important issues."

There will be a brief tour of the college before the hearing.

Rep. Tom Sannicandro, D-Ashland, chairman of the Committee on Higher Education, primary sponsor of three bills on the hearing agenda, plans to testify at the hearing following the tour.

"We've had several of these tours around the state and they're very helpful as the committee considers ways to strengthen our higher education system," he said.

Bristol Community College president Dr. John J. Sbrega said he welcomes the opportunity to host the public hearing at the Fall River campus.

"Opening our campus to the critical democratic dialogue offered at public hearings is an important component of access," he said. "The college is proud to be a part of this endeavor."

The hearing will be held at 11 in the Jackson Arts Theater Center, Building H, 777 Elsbree St. There will be signs for parking. The hearing is expected to adjourn at 3 p.m.

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